James David McCleery's Obituary
James (Jim) David McCleery, 82, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2020 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 16th, 1938 to William David McCleery and Evelyn M. Whitehead. He spent some of his youth in Arizona before becoming a permanent resident of Decatur, Illinois.
He was a member of the Selective Service from 1956 to 1959 and proudly served in the National Guard of Illinois. He was a member of the Iron Workers Local Union 46 and excelled as an Iron Worker for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Illinois. He married Judith (Judy) P. Reed on October 21, 1961.
Jim enjoyed tinkering in his garage, detailing his truck and corvette, doing mechanic work with cars and motorcycles and spending time with family. He could often be found drinking coffee at Bob Evans with his friends. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. Without question, Jim was a master of all trades. A sign hung on the wall in his garage that read, “Mr. Fix It” as he could fix or build just about anything.
Jim is survived by his three children Mark McCleery (Jennifer) of Decatur, Illinois, Michelle Wright (Tim) of Oakley, Illinois, and Mike McCleery of Mansfield; eight grandchildren including Michael, DJ, and Olivia (Harris) McCleery (Mike), Kameron and Jordan Wright (Michelle), Cassie, Tyler, and Trent McCleery (Mark); three great grandchildren Owen, Audrina, and Natalie Wright (Kameron) and his life-long friend/cousin from Arizona, Tom Kelly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his beloved wife of nearly 60 years whom he lost in November 2019.
Due to restrictions of the Corona Virus Pandemic, a small Private family service will be held at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home in Decatur Illinois on May 2nd 2020 . A live stream of the service will be available at http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/login/28719 password McCleery. Jim will be laid to rest in the Star of Hope Mausoleum next to his wife Judy.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the family at, 11070 Donavan Road, Oakley, Illinois 62501.
Condolences may be left to Jim’s family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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